4WD drivers’ ban

By Kath Gannaway
THE Hoddles Creek Education Area has been ruled out as a four wheel drive training facility after Parks Victoria announced last week it had been deemed unsuitable.
The Shire of Yarra Ranges and local residents who opposed the facility last week welcomed the decision but said damage already done to the environment by Four Wheel Drive Victoria members would need to be addressed.
The decision follows assessments and advice from the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) which showed the land was unsuitable for this purpose.
A spokesperson said Parks Victoria would continue to work with Four Wheel Drive Victoria to identify an alternative site for the training facility.
Parks Victoria regional manager Annie Volkering acknowledged the strong community interest in the Hoddles Creek Education Area and that her organisation hoped to continue working with groups such as the Friends of Hoddles Creek on the future management of the area.
She also acknowledged that four-wheel drivers are a major user group in public land across Victoria.
“We will continue to work with Four Wheel Drive Victoria on a range of key initiatives that achieve positive outcomes for the environment and all visitors who enjoy our parks,” Ms Volkering said.
Yarra Ranges mayor Tim Heenan and Cr Monika Keane had previously expressed their concerns about the impact the proposed training facility would have on local residents and the environment.
In a joint statement Crs Heenan and Keane said: “We are pleased that the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council has supported what the council and local residents have been saying about the environmental importance of this area.
“We have nothing against Four Wheel Drive Victoria, however, the simple fact remains that, given the environmental and amenity impacts on the area and local residents, this is not the right place for a training facility of this type.”
Both councillors and Jennifer Seabrook, spokeswoman for Friends of Hoddles Creek, said it was imperative the area was returned to its original state.
“The issue now is re-vegetation as the various areas destroyed must be repaired and the local community will continue discussions with Parks Victoria to ensure this happens,” Ms Seabrook said.